A woman has made it all the way to 102 while teaching young kids and babies how to swim.
The idea of getting old usually involves one thing, looking out for yourself.
However, Peggy Konzack from Oregon, is more interested in helping others, in particular, helping little ones feel comfortable in the water.
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Peggy has been teaching swimming lessons for more than half a century and continues to work at the YMCA in her area.
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Remarkably, she has no plans of slowing down.
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"It’s just a joy in my life. I’m playing with them. I’m not working,” she told KVAL.
“I’m playing.
“I’m inspired to get up in the mornings, get ready.
“And I still drive my car and come to the Y and spend the morning.”
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Jennifer Reid, whose daughter is deaf, is hugely grateful to the swimming instructor.
“Peggy’s really great because she integrates a lot of gestures and simple signs,” Reid said.
“Getting one-on-one support … has made all the difference.”
On her days off from teaching, Peggy is still able to swim between 10 and 12 laps in the pool.
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She credits swimming to longevity, and who are we to argue with her.
Well, accoriding to A3 Performance - an industry leader in developing some of the top swimming goggles and training equipment - people who swim tend to live longer.
"On average, swimmers live longer than non-swimmers even compared to people who partake in other physical activities," they said.
"When you swim, your arms and legs are moving the entire time you are swimming. Swimming aerobically will increase your lifespan.
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"Unlike other aerobic activities, swimming takes place in the water.
"Water closely simulates a zero-gravity environment.
"This means swimming is one of the few ways to exercise that is not weight-bearing."
The American aquatics company also notes that swimming works for your entire body.
"Swimming can work every muscle in your body," they said.
"Unlike running (which works mostly legs and core) swimming requires every muscle to be firing in unison to propel you through the water."
More generally, they stressed that sufficient exercise is important for all.
"Everyone knows that exercise boosts your mood and helps with stress. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that promote happiness and reduce anxiety and depression. Endorphins also help build self-esteem," they added.
"When you swim, your heart pumps blood and supplies oxygen throughout the body. This yields many benefits - from the ability to concentrate and think more efficiently to increased mood levels. Swimming can give you more energy and productivity throughout the day."
Right, I'm off to grab my goggles.
Featured Image Credit: KVALTopics: Health, US News, Sport